Non-regular electrical stimulation patterns for treating neurological disorders

Abstract

Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 102,575, filed Oct. 3, 2008; and entitled “Stimulation Patterns For Treating Neurological Disorders Via Deep Brain Stimulation,” which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to systems and methods for stimulating nerves in animals, including humans.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been found to be successful in treating a variety of brain-controlled disorders, including movement disorders. Generally, such treatment involves placement of a DBS type lead into a targeted region of the brain through a burr hole drilled in the patient's skull, and the application of appropriate stimulation through the lead to the targeted region.

[0004] Presently, in DBS, beneficial (symptom-relieving) effects are observed primarily at high stimulation frequencies above 100 Hz that are delivered in stimulation patter...

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